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Jul 5, 2015

“If for a while the harder you try, the harder it gets, take heart. So
it has been with the best people who ever lived.”

-Jeffrey R. Holland

Each of us wake up everyday with a trial of some kind. If you don't, you're sure to have on by the end of the day. Whether it's trying to get out of bed because of your depression, trying to not take that pill when you know you've already had the prescribed amount, trying to not use profanity, trying to be more polite, or just trying to survive the day. Everyone has trials. The question is, what can we do about them?

I started this post off with one of my most favorite quotes. It's brought me so much comfort over the years. There are times when I feel as though I'm doing everything God asks of me, and I'm just barely keeping my head above water. Then in the distance I see a Tsunami headed right for me. I know I'm going to drown. I know that if this Tsunami hits me, I'm done. I can hardly keep my head up as it is, how on earth am I going to survive this?!

All at once when you're struggling to stay about water the Tsunami hits. You're tossed and turned under the water, just coming up for air every 20 seconds to gasp and then you're tossed back under. Finally after the waves settle, you realize you're still alive. You're broken, and beat up, but you're alive.

Why is that? Why is it when we know we can't take anything else on, the wave comes, and yet we are still able to go on? I've thought about this a lot in my life. When I can't take 1 more thing, and that 1 more thing comes anyway, I still wake up. The sun still rises, and the world keeps turning. I may be bruised, but I can keep going. Again, why is that?

I don't know how many people believe in God, but that's not the point. The way I get through Tsunami's is by getting on my knees. When I can't stand anymore, I kneel.

He never takes my trials away because God doesn't do that. He has to follow the laws of the universe just as you and I do, but he will send his son and the holy spirit to comfort me. He will send those guardian angels to my side as I sit on my knees, and they'll pray with me. I know this is the case because I feel it. When I can't possibly go on anymore, I feel the strength he sends me, and I'm able to keep going.

For people that don't believe in God, that's fine too. I'm just telling you what I do. If you believe in Good Energy, Love & Light, Karma, or a different God than me, that's the only thing that matters.When you can't do it alone anymore, but you also don't think there's anyone out there that you can ask for help, ask the world to send good vibes to you, ask your God to give you strength, ask mother earth to send Love & Light into your life. Ask because it helps. Ask because it's healing. Ask because it's accepting that you are human, and you have weaknesses. Ask because it'll make you a better person.

There's something very humbling about admitting that you can't do it alone and need help. Why is that so hard? I know when I'm in my darkest moments, those are the times that I isolate and push the world away. Why would I do that, when I so desperately need the love and understanding from others? Why am I ashamed to have trials? Everyone has their "thing" that causes them grief, so why can't we lean on each other and help bring others back to life?

Everything in this life is a give and take. I know some people feel guilt when they ask for help. Next time you need help, and have to ask, remember this; there's going to come a time when someone will need your help and you'll be able to return the favor. Karma is real, and a very beautiful thing. It's something we all need in our lives.

I want each of you to know that I know what it's like to struggle. I know what it's like to lock yourself in your mind and not allow anyone in. Don't think that I'm great at asking for help because I'm writing this post. I assure you, I'm not. It's hard. It's the hardest thing I have ever done, and yet I did it. When I was dying and in the hospital for 3 months, and then sent home to live out the rest of my days (which they gave me about 3 months) I had to reach out. I had to ask for help. I needed people because I couldn't do it alone. It was so hard, but so beautiful. The love and kindness I've been showed will stay with me forever. Thank you.

People want to help, they just don't know how. Most people would be there in a second for you, but you have to ask. You have to force yourself to pick up that phone and call or text a friend for help. Don't stay locked in your cage. Every bird needs to escape and spread their wings. Allow your friend to help you learn to fly.

You'll always have hard times. You'll always have a trial. Just remember that the reason you're having a trial (or many) is because it's an opportunity for someone to help and love you. Something each of us desperately need in this life. Let people in. Let people love you. Allow them to carry you until you can carry yourself. I promise you, it works.

“If you are lonely, please know you can find comfort. If you are discouraged, please know you can find hope. If you are poor in spirit, please know you can be strengthened. If you feel you are broken, please know you can be mended.”
-Jeffrey R. Holland

Jilly Strasburg

Jilly & Bavid

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Love that lasts a Lifetime

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These people have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.